Walker waits as passing game struggles

There’s every chance Javon Walker could get his first chance at substantial playing time and nothing would change.

The incompletions would continue, the lack of timing with JaMarcus Russell would be evident and the Raiders would continue to struggle.

Walker wasn’t sounding off or challenging coach Tom Cable, but he’s read the comments from his boss saying he lacks the burst in and out of breaks to be playing regularly and wanted to on record with his own assessment.

“Ain’t nothing wrong with my in and out, coming out of breaks,” Walker said. “I do it with the best of them. I do it with any other receiver here. Plain and simple.”

Walker would rather be told he’s sitting so the Raiders can develop their young receivers rather than say he can’t play anymore.

“Look, I’m happy, I just want to clear this up right,” Walker said.

Cable didn’t sound as if things would change soon, and and that perhaps Walker would drop even further on the depth chart once Chaz Schilens and Johnnie Lee Higgins return from injury.

“ I think just in terms of the numbers, who has been productive, that’s number one and we’re about to get very healthy there too,” Cable said in reference to Walker’s use.

Let’s face it. What no one is saying aloud here is the Raiders are simply too committed to Darrius Heyward-Bey _ regardless of what he does on the field _ to put a veteran like Walker in the game.

Al Davis wasn’t happy last season with the amount of time veterans like Ronald Curry and Ashley Lelie were getting at the expense of Schilens and Higgins, and now Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy are added to the mix.

Murphy, with six catches and 118 yards _ second only to Chicago’s Johnny Knox in receiving yardage _ has justified his playing time with production.

Heyward-Bey has one catch for 17 yards, and supposedly he’s opening up areas for other receivers. If that’s the case, they’re not getting wide open for Russell to find them in stride, considering his completion percentage.

Assuming Walker’s role will remain as it is, it will be interesting to see how committed they are to playing Heyward-Bey at all costs when Schilens and Higgins return. Schilens was far and away the Raiders best receiver during training camp, and Higgins the No. 1 threat at the end of last season, both with Russell throiwng the passes.

– Here was Gannon’s take on the job Tom Cable is doing with the Raiders:

“I give Tom Cable a lot of credit, not a little bit of credit, a lot of credit. He knows exactly what he has in terms of his personnel and he is not going to try to beat you throwing the ball 35 or 40 times. He understands the strength of that football team right now, and last year as well, without question is not the play of the quarterback, it’s the three running backs he has in Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas and Michael Bush.

“And that, combined with the fact that they have an offensive line that was really bad a year ago in terms of pass protection, and with a young quarterback and with inexperience at the wide receivers, he’d be crazy not to run the football. So I tip my hat to Tom Cable and what he’s been able to accomplish the first two weeks of the season. They are a better football team defensively, they can run the ball, and that has to be the M.O. as they head down the road the next six or eight weeks until JaMarcus can come along, until their young receivers can develop.

But I think guys like Greg Ellis and Richard Seymour, their ability to stop the run, something they didn’t do a very good job of a year ago, that has to be the strength of this football team. Tom Cable knows what he has and he’s done a good job the first two weeks in making sure that’s a point of emphasis.”

– And no, Gannon has never wanted to be a fulltime NFL coach. Way too many hours, not enough pay, too much time away from the family. Plus it’s not as if he’s on great terms with the organization right now anyway. I was told they lobbied (unsuccessfully) to keep Gannon off a CBS telecast last season for being too critcial.

He will be the color analyst for the Broncos game along with play-by-play annoucner Ian Eagle.

– Speaking of Gannon, it seems Broncos coach Josh McDaniels has taken an approach similar to the one the Raiders took in 1999 when Jon Gruden told Al Davis he couldn’t win with Jeff George at quarterback. Current Raiders quarterbacks coach Paul Hackett reccomended Gannon, and Gruden had his efficient, error-free leader replacing the freewheeling George.

Kyle Orton has stayed away from mistakes and not been nearly as explosive as predecssor Jay Cutler, but he understands the system and works within its framework.

“You want your guy to take care of the football, score touchdowns and win games,” McDaniels said. “Right now, maybe we haven’t scored quite as many as we’d love to by now but we’re doing for the most part some of those other things pretty well and we’re building on it.”

– McDaniels started his career as a low-level assistant for Bill Belichick in 2001 and did defensive quality control work in 2002 and 2003 when Richard Seymour was a young defensive lineman.

“He was a real sharp guy,” Seymour said. “You could tell early on he was going to climb the ladder.”

McDaniels said dealing with Seymour makes for a unique challenge because every lineman must be prepared to face him because he’ll line up anywhere at any time.

“He’s added a whole other dimension to their defense,” McDaniels said.

– Both Shane Lechler and Sebastian Janikowski agreed Sunday’s win over the Chiefs was the best game they’d ever had in tandem.

Lechler, who hates kicking in Arrowhead Stadium, averaged 56.9 yards on seven punts with a 45.9 net and said if Hiram Eugene had managed to down one punt at the 5-yard line (it trickled into the end zone for his lone touchback) it would have been the best game of his career.

Janikowski, who loves it, as evidenced by a 23-for-26 lifetime mark there, connected from 48 and 54 yards and had four touchbacks. The two kickers created enough field position for the Raiders to allow 409 yards and give up just 10 points.

Janikowski tried to sell the notion that he doesn’t feel any different at Arrowhead than anywhere else.

Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer

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JaMeatball hasnt got any unfair criticism thus far so I dont know why he would be blamed for blowing a 10 point win. Especially if he mustered 24 points!

http://none The Real MaddenRaider

I don’t think the Raiders will win another Super Bowl. I just want us make the playoffs 2 of every 3 years. Be a perennial, ball breaking playoff team, like we were in the ’70s before winning the SB. I’m fine by Russell. He neither makes or breaks this team. The kind of system we have, all we need is a coach that can run the team bunker style under Al’s nose, the way Madden and Gruden did, and the way Flores did at first. And, from what I’m seeing at the end of last season and so far this year, Cable is doing it. We’re going to get a wild card spot this year. I really think so. And, there’s only one person that can get in the way, and it’s not JaMarcus Russell. Think 60 years older.

http://none The Real MaddenRaider

Richochet, you can think whatever you want. Meet my friend, IGNORE. You and him will be acquainted from here on out.

TBuckey

Brown,

you still haven’t answered SnB’s question.why do the Browns suck?well there are a lot of reasons but thats for another night.how about you go to a Browns’ forum and come up with ideas as to how you’re going to win your next couple of games.

SnB offense defense specialteams

I hear you MR! These so-called fans are going to be embarrassed after this week.

the Raiders are doing the right thing in trying to develop a young QB. The Raiders have had ONE decent QB in 20 yrs…..and that was three yrs of Rich Gannon!

Only an ignoramous would think that switching to Gradkowski, Frye or some free agent would make a difference.

They are trying to develop the young QB. You don’t give up after 18 starts!

OAKlifer

I DARE YOU to try and explain away Russell’s crap play.You won’t. You’ll run the silly take about it being the WR’s fault, the play calling, the water boy, whatever.
********

Fold your hand bro…..

Russell is lazy he needs to put in more work with our current set of WR’s he needs to be out there every night till dark if he wants to be great he needs to start acting like it!!!! I beleive if he puts in the work he could be elite if not we will struggle from time to time but run the ball well and make plays when it counts….

These colors dont run brother.

raiderkoolaid

The Raiders have a better chance at winning their division than getting a wild card. The division may be had with an 8-8 or 9-7 record, and most likely the wild card will take a little bit better than that.

http://none The Real MaddenRaider

I’m off tomorrow. Anyone know where I can get the best deal on an authentic Russell jersey in Sac or bay area? I want one by Sunday.

Dude

Wild card spot?? Really. Over who? The Colts? Tennessee? Pitt? Baltimore? For that to happen the Raiders will have to win AT LEAST 9 games. No way in hell that happens with such a garbage offense. Your on crack.

Russell 100% MAKES or BREAKS this team. If he fails he pulls this team down with him. Period.

http://none The Real MaddenRaider

Dude, Russell didn’t make or break this team last Sunday. He honestly played one of the worst games I’ve ever seen any NFL quarterback play in my life. Must have been some victory party, regardless. We go tighter on defense at the end of the SD game, and his gaffes in that game are moot, as well, like the one where he nailed Murphy in the end zone before the half only to have it overturned. Brady makes that pass and they talk about it being the reason he’s going to be in the hall. A couple of SI.com writers are also arrested for assaulting the ref who overturned it. Sorry. Russell does not carry this team on his shoulders. We’re a smash mouth, running team. Russell has not been in a position to decide one game, yet. So keep lying.

justlosebaby

I’m tired of the commentators belittling the Raiders but they deserve it. You draft a QB that can throw the ball 80 yards but can’t complete a screen pass. You draft a super-fast receiver that can’t catch the ball. I love Tom Cable’s excuse for Heyward-Bey, “He was nervous.” I think I’ll use that excuse at work tomorrow. If I screw up I’ll say I was nervous. The difference is only several million dollars. They treat Jamarcus Russell like a baby. He’s a big boy making big money and more importantly HE’S A PROFESSIONAL! Do you see them treating Matt Ryan, Mark Sanchez, or Jay Cutler like that? No. These guys are new and running much more complicated offenses. It’s obvious Russell is never going to develop into anything worthwhile. Steve Young said it against San Diego, “You can’t teach accuracy. Either you have it or you don’t.” I hope when Russell fails this season, and he will, that Al Davis has the common sense to cut the cord.

Dude

Any one who is not doubting Russell right now is irrational. Simple as that. He has shown NOTHING to make anyone believe he is making positive strides.

TBuckey

Dude what are you doing here?how about you and those other guys that love bashing our team go and an anti-Raider forum we dont care to hear about it over here.

Dude

DHB is a joke. Every Sunday I see rookie WRs making plays all over the league. Percy Harvin, Kenny Britt, Johnny Knox, Deon Butler, and on and on. The Raiders credo used to be “Commitment to excellence” noe its “Committment to excuses”.

Dude

Alert…Alert….Alert. Moronic Comment Detected.

” The Raiders are doing everything RIGHT in developing a young QB”

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SnB offense defense specialteams

You guys refuse to acknowledge the fact that coaching, players and leadership matter.

Russell was given a coach who taught him to be overly conservative with the football….

That coach was fired after 4 gms and replaced by a former O.C at UCLA.

Then you surround the kid with 3 receivers that were cut right out of the league AND a STARTING Left Tackle that didn’t get a SINGLE INVITE to camp the following year. None of those guys were close to retirement age.

You don’t give the kid a chance to play with and practice with the same group of receivers.

I also will bet that Hackett and company are tinkering with mechanics and other stuff..so Russell is unlearning both DeFilipo and Kiffin’s technique.

Still a good teammate and leader…not throwing his teammates under the bus…not whining and crying and he keeps talking about trying to get better and moving to the next game….short memory

you guys want to waste your sundays watching a Rex Grossman or JP Losman….then you don’t know football

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
=======================================================
You need to go back to school and retake your reading comprehension classes.

I said “the Raiders are doing the right thing in TRYING to develop a young QB” I didn’t make any comment on how well they are doing. But since you implied as such…I believe they are on the right track with the kid.

2-games in with a 1-1 record and the front running fans become very easy to spot!

Dude

TDouchey,

Dont respond then, punk.

SnB offense defense specialteams

Dude Says:
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Any one who is not doubting Russell right now is irrational. Simple as that. He has shown NOTHING to make anyone believe he is making positive strides.
======================================================
Go watch the Jets then!

Dude

SnB,

Yep, you did say TRYING, my bad.

On the right track? After these two games there is no way you could possibly say that, no way. This team should be 2-0 and it neither game should have been close. Russell is THE reason this team in where it is.

SnB offense defense specialteams

Some of you folks have gone so far over to hating Russell that you have little choice now but to root against him.

To see him succeed at this point would make many of you look foolish and probably would embarrass yourselves

justlosebaby

4/17 for 42 yards w/ 3:00 to go in the fourth quarter is justified to be a doubter. I hope I’m made a fool.

Dude

Go watch the Jets??? Ummmm…OK. Good comeback. What the hell does that even mean?

SnB offense defense specialteams

Yeah, and last year the Raiders should have been 8-8…

Would of, could of, should of….whatever…they are 1-1 and playing for 1st place this weekend.

I am as positive as it gets right now.

Playing for 1st place and its another week.

I am not dwelling on the Prevent defense against S.D or Russell’s early stats.

They win this weekend…then who cares.

Dude

Yep, he is making fools out of all the doubters.

Dude

Tdouche,

Again, dont respond tough guy.

http://none The Real MaddenRaider

Dude, Raiders over Broncos by 10. You taking? Broncos +10? Nice gentlemen’s bet, just so I can say I owned you next monday?

SnB offense defense specialteams

Dude Says:
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Go watch the Jets??? Ummmm…OK. Good comeback. What the hell does that even mean?
=======================================================
If you are looking for clean, easy, made for tv QB being developed with little to complain about…then go watch the Jets.

Its not perfect over here. Never has been. This team has had org. problems, coaching problems, leadership problems and all things in between. They have only had 1 decent QB in 20 years.

Its not easy over here. So instead of going on and on and on about how Russell’s season is already doomed…just go watch Sanchez and Ryan and cheer to your hearts content!

raiderkoolaid

Nobody knows whether or not in the end The Raiders patients with Russel will pay off, but it would stupid to give up on him already. It doesn’t matter what Ryan or Flacco or Sanchez or any other young QB does or has done. What matters is what the end product is with Russel, and you don’t give up on him until you know.

Dude

Playing for first place? LOL! OK. LOL!! With an NFL QB they would be 2 and 0 right now and things would be looking up. Too bad thats not the case.

Richochet

The Real MaddenRaider Says:
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Richochet, you can think whatever you want. Meet my friend, IGNORE. You and him will be acquainted from here on out.
=================
Good. Means I get to make you my personal punching bag, torch your idiot takes, knowing you’re in the fetal position, crying NO MAS.
The icing on the cake is I don’t have to read your stupid replies, that make no sense.

Perfect

TBuckey

Dude you’re all talk over this blog but i know if i were to see you in person you would be dead silent so im not even responding to a lame dude like you anymore.you and those other dudes love hatin on people you need to worry about yourself or your lame team why you all on us?d*** ridin a** loser.

Dude

SnB,

None of your Russell opinions are based on anything but hope and blind faith. At least admit that.

Dude

I didnt miss it. It is as stupid this time as it was the first time. WTF do I care what those QBs are doing? Why dont you go cheer for those teams? Then your comments wont be so rediculous.

http://none The Real MaddenRaider

Richochet, what was that? Did you say something? Leave a message with my friend “IGNORE”. I don’t like your attitude, man. I worked today. Just don’t want to read your hateful crap tonight. Sorry.

SnB offense defense specialteams

Dude Says:
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Go watch the Jets??? Ummmm…OK. Good comeback. What the hell does that even mean?
=======================================================
Repost in case you missed
If you are looking for clean, easy, made for tv QB being developed with little to complain about…then go watch the Jets.

Its not perfect over here. Never has been. This team has had org. problems, coaching problems, leadership problems and all things in between. They have only had 1 decent QB in 20 years.

Its not easy over here. So instead of going on and on and on about how Russell’s season is already doomed…just go watch Sanchez and Ryan and cheer to your hearts content!

raiderkoolaid

Apparently some of these peoples idea of how to develoup a QB is that is soon as the going gets tough, you just give up and quit.

SnB offense defense specialteams

Dude Says:
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:08 pm
SnB,

None of your Russell opinions are based on anything but hope and blind faith. At least admit that.
=======================================================
No, its not just hope and blind faith. I just have more patience than you do. I saw the kid flash enough times last yr to show me he can be the guy. I also give the kid a break for the coaching chaos and the lack of talent (Lelie, Curry, Harris, Green, Walker) I give the kid a break because he’s playing with rookies….btw I wonder if that QB camp helped Murphy and Watkins….I also give him a break for losing his favorite WR target near the end of camp.

You can call them excuses. Fine…but for me these are facts that do in fact influence the play of serveral positions includign the QB.

Dude

This is the guys 3rd year. He should be a better player. Period. He is no better today than he was at the start of last year or the end of his rookie year. In todays NFL, you better be good fast or its buh bye. You think Al is gonna sit on his hands while guys like Sanchez, Flacco, Ryan, Cutler and Aaron Rodgers become stars in this league while his guy sets records for futility? LOL…ok.

priesttj

As much as Russell hassruggled at least he understan the teams makeup. He knows he has a good defense and a great punter. So he will see the ball again what he doesn’t wat to do is turn the bal overand give th other team a short field. Now tha may go unnoticed by th Blogger but that is called game management. And it is probably the biggest reason we wer still in the game and he could make that drive to wn it.

Mst shalow peple feel because he’s not as articulate as they think he should be, that he’s dumb. Well based on that respnse to those quesionshe definitely understands what the coaches want and what’s not happening. His role in the shortcomings ad what’s not happening for him to be as effective as he needs to be. Many have made the observation tht he stres at his recievers well when you can’t trust them you tend to do that.

Now we all know that Russell has to play better but until Chaz and JLH are healthy he my hae no choise but to just manage the game by throwing he ball away (15 feet over their heads) and livng to play another down. He’s saving this team and taking the brunt of criticism. That’s his job.

Eventually they will start to gel and when they do we’ll see what kind of QB Russell really is. So all you haters take your shots as best you can because your days are numbered.

For the immediate future (Sunday) we MUST run the football……..period

priesttj

Russell will be fine as soon as guy’s like DHB Chaz and JLH and Murphy continue to develope. He’s 3 and 1 in his last 4 starts if we win Sunday that’s a tie for first place even with the way he’s played recently.

Kiddies that is all that matters WINS!!

priesttj

Your words not mine.

Dude

Even though Al Davis and his big top Circus act are MAJOR contributers to Russell being as bad as he is. We all know how Al likes to take the blame for things. LOL!

Dude

Yeah, Duhmarcus Russell is a regular Rhodes Scholar.

Dude

I must have missed the last 2 or 3 seasons or something. Because to hear you all talk Chaz Schillens MUST be a 2 or 3 time All Pro.

Raider Dell

Dude

USC= loser

DROPPED DOWN IN THE POLLS TO THE BIG 12 SPOT

Looking at the HOLIDAY BOWL- That’s about right for that team, all hype, can’t even beat a 0-12 team the Washington Huskies.